Page 33 of The Wedding Situation Romance

“Well, be less factual and more…fun,” I say for lack of better words.

“You can’t expect anything different from Reid, I’m afraid.”

I look up to see a couple taking seats across from us at our table. She is thin, covered in fine-line tattoos and naturally lovely, and he has a warm smile, warmer eyes and, wait for it, a man bun.

“He’s an eternal pessimist,” Nick says.

“Those seats are taken,” Reid says flatly, and I swat at him, forcing him to smirk.

“Be nice,” I giggle. Because I am good at playing my part. Unlike some people. “Also, you didn’t tell me Nick and Ophelia were going to be here,” I coo at him.

“Please call me Phee,” she says. “Everyone does.”

“Unfortunately for this asshole, everyone who is not in the wedding but still considered AJ’s best friends are at this table,” AJ says.

“Okay, I need to know how everyone knows each other,” I say, ignoring whatever face Reid is making. “I know Justin and Reid were in law school together, and Justin works in the music industry. But what about you two?” I motion between Reid and Nick.

“So Reid and I met through Justin’s job,” Nick says, and I take mental notes while putting my hand on Reid’s leg just for good measure. He softens and wraps a loose arm around the back of my chair, his fingertips brushing my bare skin. I’m wearing a simple black dress with no straps, exposing my shoulders and leaving them entirely at his mercy. Good for show, bad for my composure.

I cross my legs as Nick goes on.

“Wait, you work in the music industry too?” I ask.

“Nicky is a music producer,” Ophelia says proudly.

“Oh my god, that’s amazing!” I say and I mean it. It also fits.

“It’s an indie project, probably no one you’ve heard of,” Nick says humbly.

“Try me,” I say.

“Broken Compass Records,” Nick answers. “I’ve produced a handful of bands, including Velvet Atlas, the Northbound Kids…”

“I’ve heard of them!” I say. “Don’t be modest.”

“Nicky is always modest,” Ophelia smiles.

“So are you,” he smiles. “She’s in a band. With me.”

“Wait, you’re in a band together?” I ask, looking at Reid who isn’t surprised at all, probably because he knows this.

“We are,” Ophelia says. “Slow Constellation. We’re actually performing at our own wedding, which Reid better be bringing you to.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” he says. “Wherever I go, she goes.”

“That’s so romantic,” Ophelia gushes.

Romantic. Contractual. Whatever.

“So what about AJ?” I ask. “Where does he come into play?”

“Fantasy football,” Reid answers as he takes a sip of his drink. “We’re all in the same league.”

“Really?” I ask. Then I look over at the main table and watch AJ, who is literally pounding his chest with his fist as we speak, as he talks loudly enough that everyone can hear him. “Okay, that tracks,” I say, and everyone laughs. “But why are none of you in the wedding?” I ask.

“Because all of those guys sitting at that table with Mr. Used To Be A Quarterback himself are either ex-teammates or brothers.”

“That’s a lot of brothers,” I say.